Dog daycare, colloquially known as doggy daycare, is a short-term care option for dogs. It typically takes place in a dedicated drop-in centre, but some dog sitters may also offer this service in their homes. It’s a good solution for working dog owners or dogs who suffer from separation anxiety and can’t stay home alone for long periods of time.
What Do Dogs Do at Doggy Daycare?
Dog daycare facilities look after your pooch during the daytime hours, for example, while you’re at work. Your pup will usually be entertained with both indoor and outdoor activities, such as going out for a walk, visiting the dog park, playing fetch with an experienced member of staff, and playtime with other dogs. Doggy daycare facilities also have dedicated areas where dogs can take a nap. In any case, dogs are supervised at all times.
Commercial dog daycare facilities usually host several dogs at a time. This can be either a pro or a con, depending on the temperament of your pooch: some dogs love to make new friends to play with and have fun all day while others prefer to be alone. If your dog has a sociable, friendly personality, they may enjoy and even thrive in a group environment. However, if your pup is nervous, shy, or aggressive around other dogs, social settings like dog daycare may prove overwhelming. If this is the case with your dog, it may be better to look for individual pet care, such as a dog sitter.
When you drop your pooch off at doggy daycare, don’t forget to take their dog food, favourite toy, and any medicine they need. You should also bring a copy of your dog’s health records and provide an emergency contact.
How to Find the Best Doggy Daycare Near Me?
The best way to find a great dog daycare near you is by asking for recommendations. Ask around! Your friends or neighbours might just know the best place in the area. Otherwise, you can try joining Facebook groups or searching online. Once you have your recommendations, we propose that you check out a few places in person. In-person visits are a good opportunity to meet the team, ask all the questions you may have, and see how the dogs are treated. Ask to see the indoor and outdoor areas: Are they secure? Are they clean? What is the dog-to-staff ratio? What kind of training does the staff have? Does the facility have all the insurance policies required for them to operate? These questions will help you to know if your dog will be safe and properly cared for during their stay. Ask yourself, do the other dogs seem like they’re happy and having fun? Animals never lie!
It should be noted that some dog daycare centres will accept drop-ins, while others require you to book in advance. It’s important to check this detail beforehand, either by calling or visiting their website.
How Much is Dog Daycare?
The price of dog daycare will vary according to the location and services offered. Doggy daycare in London will be more expensive than dog daycare in Manchester, for example. The average cost ranges from £12 to £50 per day, depending on where you are in the country. Additionally, the more luxurious the facility, the higher the cost. Some dog daycare centres will also offer additional services such as puppy training school, dog grooming, and even overnight care if you require more long-term boarding. These services come with an additional fee. Most commercial facilities do however offer discounted rates as part of monthly, quarterly or yearly plans.
How to Find Doggy Daycare Jobs?
Working with dogs is a dream for many people. After all, animals provide real enrichment for our lives! If you think you would like to work with dogs and are looking for dog daycare jobs, research the facilities near you. Most will have a careers section on their website where you can see all their current job openings. The good news is that most places do not require any specific qualifications, but they may ask you to undergo some form of training before you start. Pet care is an important job (and a wonderful experience!), so any great doggy daycare facility will require you to be dedicated, reliable and, above all, a genuine dog lover! While you’re at it, why not become a pet sitter with Holidog, too!?
